Game history recording apparatus and method for recording and interacting with game history

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for recording game history is coupled between a game host and a game console and performs a game history recording and interaction method. The apparatus communicates with the game host through a first wireless unit, and communicates with the game console through a second wireless unit, to receive game operation information generated from operations of the game console. The apparatus receives a video signal outputted by the game host through a video input port. The processing module is coupled to the wireless units and the video input port respectively and is used to obtain the game operation information from the wireless units and generate operation information images corresponding to the game operation information. The processing module superimposes the operation information images on the video signal correspondingly to form game history video data and outputs the superimposed game history video data to a display device for display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to game history, and in particular, it relates toa game history recording apparatus, game history recording method andgame history interaction method.

Description of the Related Art

Typically, regardless of which kinds of game host devices are used (e.g.X-BOX or PS4), players can obtain game strategy guide they desire, fromthe network or other sources, to use as reference during game play.Besides game strategy guides in text article format, there are gamestrategy guides in video format; such game strategy guide videos aretypically provided by players by recording images of the game play usinga computer or video recorder, and share them in real time via a network,or store them as archive and then share them.

Currently, typical game strategy guide videos mostly take images andsounds of game play, and record them for sharing. However, for playerswho wish to refer to game strategy guides, these videos lack the mostpractical and important information, which is the game operationinformation corresponding to the various images of the game strategyguide videos, such as which keys of the control console the playershould press and the sequence of the key presses so that the charactersof the game can pass the various challenges as in the game strategyguide videos. Thus, although players can find game strategy guide videosand play the videos, typically they can only watch the videos, or try toduplicate the various images of the game play they see in the videosthrough trial and error, which may be difficult and often unsuccessful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a game historyrecording apparatus, game history recording method and game historyinteraction method which substantially obviates one or more of theproblems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, one embodiment of the present inventionprovides a game history recording device. In this embodiment, the gamehistory recording device is coupled between the game host and the gameconsole. It includes an interface module, a video input port, and aprocessing module. The interface module establishes a first connectionwith the game host and a second connection with the game consolerespectively, and receives game operation information generated fromoperations of the game console. The video input port receives a videosignal outputted by the game host. The processing module is coupled tothe interface module and the video input port respectively; it obtainsthe game operation information from the interface module and generatesoperation information images corresponding to the game operationinformation. The processing module superimposes the operationinformation images on the video signal correspondingly to form gamehistory video data.

In one embodiment, the interface module is a wireless module, andincludes a first wireless unit and a second wireless unit. The firstwireless unit is coupled between the processing unit and the game host,to establish first wireless communication with the game host. The secondwireless unit is coupled between the processing unit and the gameconsole, to establish second wireless communication with the gameconsole.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device further includes avideo output module, coupled to the processing module, for outputtingthe game history video data to a display device for display.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device further includes anetwork transmission module, coupled to the processing module, foroutputting the game operation information or the game history video datavia a network.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device further includes astorage module, coupled to the processing module, for storing the gameoperation information or the game history video data.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device further includes anaudio input port, coupled to the processing module, for receiving anexternal audio signal and forwarding it to the processing module, sothat the processing module can further superimpose the external audiosignal into the game history video data.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device further includes avideo output port, coupled to the video input port, for directlyoutputting the video signal inputted from the video input port.

In one embodiment, the game operation information includes informationrepresenting a key press of at least one key of the game console, and atriggering time and duration of the key press.

In one embodiment, the processing module reads the game operationinformation stored in the storage module, and the game operationinformation includes multiple pieces of input information forming a timesequence. The processing module transmits the input information includedin the game operation information to the game host, to enable the gamehost to output corresponding video signal.

In one embodiment, the processing module reads the game operationinformation stored in the storage module, and the game operationinformation includes multiple pieces of first input information forminga time sequence. The processing module receives, at a specified timepoint, a piece of second input information from the game console,compares the piece of second input information with a piece of the firstinput information corresponding to the specified time point, and outputsa recognition image based on the comparison result.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a game historyrecording method, which includes the following steps: (a) providing agame history recording device, coupled between the game host and thegame console; (b) respectively establishing a first connection betweenthe game history recording device and the game host and a secondconnection between the game history recording device and the gameconsole; (c) the game history recording device receiving a video signalfrom the game host; (d) the game history recording device receiving gameoperation information generated by the game console during game play;(e) the game history recording device generating operation informationimages corresponding to the game operation information, andcorrespondingly superimposing the operation information images on thevideo signals from the game host to form game history video data.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a game historyinteraction method, which includes the following steps: (a) providing agame history recording device, coupled to the game console; (b) the gamehistory recording device receiving game history video data or operationinformation image, as well as game operation information correspondingto the game history video data or the operation information image, thegame operation information including multiple pieces of first inputinformation forming a time sequence; (c) the game history recordingdevice outputting the game history video data or the operationinformation image; (d) at a specified time point, the game historyrecording device receiving a piece of second input information from thegame console; (e) the game history recording device comparing the pieceof second input information with a piece of the first input informationthat corresponds to the specified time point; and (f) the game historyrecording device outputting a recognition image based on the comparisonresult of step (e).

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a game historyinteraction method, which includes the following steps: (a) providing agame history recording device, coupled to the game console and gamehost; (b) the game history recording device receiving game operationinformation, which includes multiple pieces of input information forminga time sequence; (c) the game history recording device receiving a startup command from the game console and informs the game host to start agame; (d) the game history recording device reading the game operationinformation and sending the plurality of pieces of input information tothe game host; and (e) the game host outputting a video signalcorresponding to the game operation information.

Compare to conventional technologies, the game history recordingapparatus, game history recording method and game history interactionmethod have the following advantages:

(1) The game history recording device can simultaneously emulate a gameconsole to the game host and emulate a game host to a game console, torespectively establish a connection with the game host and a connectionwith the game console.

(2) The game history recording device can receive game operationinformation from the game host and the game console, and can forward theinformation in synchrony.

(3) The game history recording device can superimpose operationinformation images corresponding to game operation information onto thegame video, to form game history video data containing game operationinformation which displays key presses of the game console and theirtriggering time and duration.

(4) When the game host plays back the game history video data, theplayer can control the game console based on the instructions of thedisplayed operation information images, to practice the game.

(5) The game history recording device can directly read the gameoperation information, and directly forward game operations of the gameoperation information to the game host when the game is being played.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates practical application environment of agame history recording device according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed functional block diagram of the game historyrecording device of FIG. 1

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary operation information imagecorresponding to game operation information.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary image of the video signal.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary game history video data generated bysuperimposing the operation information image of FIG. 3A and the imageof the video signal of FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate exemplary consecutive images of the game historyvideo data.

FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary diagram of a comparison between thegame history video data and the player's input data.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a game history recording method accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a game history interaction methodaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a game history interaction methodaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, operating structuresand methods in accordance with the present invention may be embodied ina wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite differentfrom those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the bestembodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for theclaims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment(as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention is a game history recordingdevice. In this embodiment, the game history recording decide is coupledto at least one game host and at least one game console. The types ofthe game hosts and game consoles are not limited to any particulartypes.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates practical application environment ofthe game history recording device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game history recording device1 can be respectively coupled to a game host 2, a game console 3 and adisplay device 4. In one embodiment, the game history recording device 1can additionally be couple to a display device 5. In another embodiment,the game history recording device 1 can also be coupled to a computerCOM and website WEB via a network N. In practice, the game host 2, gameconsole 3, display device 4 and display device 5 are not limited to anyparticular kinds of devices, and the type of the network N is notlimited to any type of network; any suitable devices or systems may beused.

FIG. 2 is a detailed functional block diagram of the game historyrecording device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the game historyrecording device 1 includes a processing module 10, an interface module12, a video input port 14, a video output port 16, a video output module18, a network transmission module 20, a storage module 22, ananalog-to-digital converter ADC, a decoding unit RxPhy, and an audioinput port 24. The interface module 12 is a wireless module, andincludes a first wireless unit 12A and a second wireless unit 12B.

The processing module 10 is coupled to the first wireless unit 12A andsecond wireless unit 12B of the interface module 12, the decoding unitRxPhy, the video output module 18, the network transmission module 20,the storage module 22 and the analog-to-digital converter ADC. The firstwireless unit 12A of the interface module 12 is coupled to theprocessing module 10 and the game host 2. The second wireless unit 12Bof the interface module 12 is coupled to the processing module 10 andthe game console 3. The decoding unit RxPhy is coupled to the processingmodule 10 and the game host 2. The video output port 16 is coupled tothe video input port 14 and the display device 4. The video outputmodule 18 is coupled to the processing module 10 and the display device5. The network transmission module 20 is coupled to the processingmodule 10 and the network N. The storage module 22 is coupled to theprocessing module 10. The audio input port 24 is coupled to theanalog-to-digital converter ADC.

In this embodiment, the interface module 12 establishes a first wirelesscommunication between the game history recording device 1 and the gamehost 2 via the first wireless unit 12A, and establishes a secondwireless communication between the game history recording device 1 andthe game console 3 via the second wireless unit 12B. The first andsecond wireless communication can use the same or different wirelesscommunication protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth, or any othersuitable wireless communication protocols.

In addition, if the game console 3 supports the game host 2, forexample, if the game host 2 is a PS4 model and the game console 3 is adedicated or compatible control device for it, then the game historyrecording device 1 simultaneously emulates a game console 3 thatsupports PS4 to the game host 2 via the first wireless unit 12A of theinterface module 12, and emulates a PS4 game host 2 to the game console3 via the second wireless unit 12B of the interface module 12. On theother hand, if the game console 3 does not support the game host 2, forexample, if the game host 2 is a PS4 model while the game console 3 isan X-BOX model, then the first wireless unit 12A emulates a compatiblePS4 game console to the game host 2 and the second wireless unit 12Bemulates an X-BOX game host to the game console 3. The above examplesare not limited to the above.

Because the first wireless communication between the game historyrecording device 1 and the game host 2 and the second wirelesscommunication between the game history recording device 1 and the gameconsole 3 are established, and the game history recording device 1emulates a corresponding game console to the game host 2 and emulates acorresponding game host so the game console 3, the signal communicationbetween the game host 2 and the game console 3 are now done via theinterface module 12 of the game history recording device 1. The gamehistory recording device 1 can receive, via the second wireless unit 12Bof the interface module 12, game operation information GOI generated bythe operation of the game console 3; the information is processed by theprocessing module 10 and stored in the storage module 22. The storagemodule may be a memory card or a built-in hard disk drive or memory ofthe game history recording device 1, but are not limited to the above.

In practice, the game operation information GOI may include informationregarding key press of at least one key of the game console 3 as well asthe triggering time and the duration of the key press of the at leastone key. For example and without limitation, the game operationinformation GOI may include the operation information “the A key beginsto be pressed at the first second and is continuously pressed for 3seconds, and then immediately the B key is pressed three timesconsecutively.”

The video input port 14 receives the video signal AV outputted by thegame host 2, and forwards the video signal AV to the decoding unit RxPhyto decode the image and audio data, which are inputted to the processingmodule 10. In this embodiment, the video input port 14 is a videosplitter, which splits the video signal from the game host 2 into twovideo signals; one of the two video signals is outputted to the decodingunit RxPhy, and the other is outputted to the video output port 16. Whenthe video output port 16 receives the video signal AV from the videoinput port 14, the video output port 16 directly outputs the videosignal AV to the display device 4, so that the display device 4 candisplay the video signal AV.

In one embodiment, when the processing module 10 receives the gameoperation information GOI via the second wireless unit 12B of theinterface module 12 and receives the video signal AV via the video inputport 14, the processing module 10 generates, based on the game operationinformation GOI, operation information images corresponding to the gameoperation information GOI, and correspondingly superimposes theoperation information images onto the video signal AV to generate thegame history video data GHD. In practice, the operation informationimages corresponding to the game operation information GOI may be,without limitation, images corresponding to the key characteristics ofthe game console 3.

For example, suppose a first input within the game operation informationGOI is the simultaneous pressing of the “up” and “A” keys of the gameconsole 3, then the corresponding operation information image OMG willbe that shown in FIG. 3A. Suppose an image IMG of the video signal AVfrom the game host 2 is as shown in FIG. 3B, then an image frame FRM ofthe game history video data GHD generated by superimposing the operationinformation image OMG shown in FIG. 3A and the image IMG of the videosignal AV shown in FIG. 3B will be as shown in FIG. 3C.

In addition to the manner of display shown in FIG. 3C, the game historyvideo data GHD can also be displayed in the manners shown in FIGS. 4A to4C. Referring to FIG. 4A, which shows a first image frame FRM1 of thegame history video data GHD, at a first time point, the first image IMG1of the video signal AV from the game host 2 shows a race car movingstraight forward, so in the first operation information image OMG1, the“up” arrow on the left is highlighted, e.g. by filling it with a coloror using a flashing effect, to remind the player who is watching thegame history video data GHD to press the “up” key on the game console 3at the first time point. In one embodiment, the time duration in whichthe “up” arrow is filled with the color may represent the time durationthat the key should be pressed; in another embodiment, the time durationin which the “up” arrow is flashing may represent the time duration thatthe key should be pressed.

Next, referring to FIG. 4B, which shows a second image frame FRM2 of thegame history video data GHD, at a second time point, the second imageIMG2 of the video signal AV from the game host 2 shows a race carturning right, so in the second operation information image OMG2, the“right” arrow in the center is highlighted to remind the player who iswatching the game history video data GHD to press the “right” key on thegame console 3 at the second time point.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 4C, which shows a third image frame FRM3 ofthe game history video data GHD, at a third time point, the third imageIMG3 of the video signal AV from the game host 2 shows a race carturning left, so in the third operation information image OMG3, the“left” arrow on the right is highlighted to remind the player who iswatching the game history video data GHD to press the “left” key on thegame console 3 at the third time point.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, from the first time point, second timepoint to the third time point, the player who is watching the gamehistory video data GHD will sequentially see the first image frame FRM1which includes the first image IMG1 with a straight-moving race car andthe first operation information image OMG1 with highlighted “up” arrow;the second image frame FRM2 which includes the second image IMG2 with aright-turning race car and the second operation information image OMG2with highlighted “right” arrow; and the third image frame FRM3 whichincludes the third image IMG3 with a left-turning race car and the thirdoperation information image OMG3 with highlighted “left” arrow.

Because the audio input port 24 can receive external audio signal AD andforward it to the processing module 10, the processing module 10 canadditionally superimpose the external audio signal AD into the gamehistory video data GHD, so that the game history video data GHD caninclude not only operation information images corresponding to gameoperation information GOI, but also the external audio signal AD. Inpractice, the external audio signal AD may include voice of the playerthat explains or provides hints about the game operation.

When the processing module 10 receives they game operation informationGOI and generates the game history video data GHD, the processing module10 may store the game operation information GOI and/or the game historyvideo data GHD in the storage module 22, so that it can be retrievedlater by the processing module 10 when needed; the processing module 10can also export the game operation information GOI and/or game historyvideo data GHD, using the network transmission module 20 via a networkN, to the computer COM and/or website WEB. Using this mode, users canwatch in real time the game play controlled by an expert player, and atthe same time learn the timing of various key presses. Further, theprocessing module 10 can also output the game history video data GHD tothe display device 5 via the video output module 18, so that the gamehistory video data GHD is displayed on the display device 5. The aboveexamples are exemplary and not limiting.

The game operation information GOI stored in the storage module 22 mayinclude multiple pieces of first input information forming a timesequence; i.e., the game operation information GOI may include multiplepieces of first input information corresponding to multiple time points;for example and without limitation, the “press the up key,” “press theright key,” and “press the left key” respectively corresponding to thefirst, second and third time points in the example shown respectively inFIGS. 4A-4C.

In one embodiment, the game history recording device 1 can demonstrate agame play without the game console 3. That is, the processing module 10reads the game operation information GOI stored in the storage module22, and transmits the multiple pieces of first input information in thegame operation information GOI to the game host 2, to enable the gamehost 2 to generate corresponding video signal AV based on the firstinput information. For example, using the above illustrated example, thegame host 2 will, based on the pieces of first input information “pressthe up key,” “press the right key,” and “press the left key” etc.,sequentially output the images of the video signal AV including thefirst image IMG1 with a straight-moving race car, the second image IMG2with a right-turning race car and the third image IMG3 with aleft-turning race car. The function of this embodiment can be used toallow expert players to share or explain games to beginning players, orusing in demonstrations at exhibitions.

In another embodiment, the game history recording device 1 can be usedin a learning mode by a user. In this embodiment, a non-expert userfirst obtains game operation information GOI and game history video dataGHD previously recorded by expert players. The recorded game operationinformation GOI and the game history video data GHD may be stored in thestorage module beforehand, or downloaded via the network. The processingmodule 10 reads the game operation information GOI and the game historyvideo data GHD from the storage module 22. Then, the game historyrecording device 1 outputs the images of the game history video data GHDto the display device 5 shown in FIG. 2, and at a specified time point,receives a piece of second input information from the game console 3 viathe second wireless unit 12B of the interface module 12. Then, theprocessing module 10 compares the piece of second input information witha piece of first input information, among the multiple pieces of firstinput information contained in the game operation information GOI, thatcorresponds to the specified time, and outputs a recognition image basedon the comparison result. For example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the displaydevice 5 displays the game history video data GHD, and simultaneouslydisplays images IPI that correspond to the piece of second inputinformation. At this time, the game history recording device 1 comparesthe piece of second input information with the particular piece of firstinput information, among the multiple pieces of first input informationcontained in the game operation information GOI, that corresponds to thespecified time point, to determine if they match each other. If they donot match, a warning image is displayed, such as, without limitation,the warning image “NG” shown in FIG. 4D. Using this mode, when the gamehost 2 plays back the game history video data GHD, the player cancontrol the game console 3 based on the instructions of the operationinformation images OMG displayed on the display, to practice playing thegame; the processing module 10 can further determine whether theplayer's operations at particular time points are consistent with theinstructions in the operation information images OMG, and informs theplayer via the recognition images.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a game history recordingmethod. Refer to FIG. 5, which is a flow chart showing a game historyrecording method according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, instep S10, the game history recording method provides a game historyrecording device, and couples it between the game host and the gameconsole. In step S12, the game history recording method respectivelyestablishes a first connection between the game history recording deviceand the game host and a second connection between the game historyrecording device and the game console. In step S14, the game historyrecording device receives a video signal from the game host. In stepS16, the game history recording device receives game operationinformation generated by the game console during game play. In step S18,the game history recording device generates operation information imagescorresponding to the game operation information, and correspondinglysuperimposes the operation information images on the video signal fromthe game host to form game history video data. The game history videodata can be transmitted to a network server, to allow users to downloadfor viewing; or, the game history video data can be outputted to anotherdisplay device connected to the game history recording device.

In practice, the game history recording device may receive externalaudio signals and superimpose the external audio signals to the gamehistory video data. When the game history recording device generates thegame history video data, the game history recording method can store thegame operation information and/or the game history video data, or exportthe game operation information and/or the game history video data to adisplay device or the network.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a game historyinteraction method. Refer to FIG. 6, which is a flow chart showing agame history interaction method. As shown in FIG. 6, in step S20, thegame history interaction method provides a game history recordingdevice, coupled to the game console. In step S22, the game historyrecording device receives game history video data or operationinformation image, as well as game operation information correspondingto the game history video data or operation information image, the gameoperation information including a plurality of pieces of first inputinformation forming a time sequence. In step S24, the game historyrecording device outputs the game history video data or the operationinformation image. In step S26, at a specified time point, the gamehistory recording device receives a piece of second input informationfrom the game console. In step S28, the game history recording devicecompares the piece of second input information with a piece of firstinput information that corresponds to the specified time point. In stepS29, the game history interaction method outputs a recognition imagebased on the comparison result of step S28.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is another game historyinteraction method. Refer to FIG. 7, which is a flow chart showing agame history interaction method. As shown in FIG. 7, in step S30, thegame history interaction method provides a game history recordingdevice, coupled to the game console and the game host. In step S32, thegame history recording device receives game operation information, whichincludes a plurality of pieces of input information forming a timesequence. In step S34, the game history recording device receives astart up command from the game console and informs the game host tostart the game. In step S36, the game history recording device readsgame operation information and sends the plurality of pieces of inputinformation to the game host. In step S38, the game host outputs a videosignal corresponding to the game operation information.

Compare to conventional technologies, the game history recording device,game history recording method and game history interaction method havethe following advantages:

(1) The game history recording device can simultaneously emulate a gameconsole to the game host and emulate a game host to a game console, torespectively establish a connection with the game host and a connectionwith the game console.

(2) The game history recording device can receive game operationinformation from the game host and the game console, and can forward theinformation in synchrony.

(3) The game history recording device superimpose operation informationimages corresponding to the game operation information onto the gamevideo, to form game history video data containing game operationinformation which displays key presses of the game console and theirtriggering time and duration.

(4) When the game host plays back the game history video data, theplayer can control the game console based on the instruction of thedisplayed operation information images, to practice the game.

(5) The game history recording device can directly read the gameoperation information, and directly input game operations of the gameoperation information to the game host when the game is being played.

The detailed descriptions above explain the preferred embodiments and donot limit the invention to these embodiments. It will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modification and variations can bemade in the game history recording device, game history recording methodand game history interaction method of the present invention withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover modifications and variationsthat come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game history interaction method, comprising: (a) providing a game history recording device coupled to a game console and a game host; (b) the game history recording device receiving, from a storage device or a network, game operation information, which includes a plurality of pieces of input information forming a time sequence; (c) the game history recording device receiving a start up command from the game console and informs the game host to start a game; (d) the game history recording device reading the game operation information from the storage device or the network, and sending the plurality of pieces of input information to the game host, without sending any further information from the game console to the game host; (e) the game host outputting a video signal corresponding to the game operation information to a display device; and (f) the display device displaying the video signal outputted by the game host. 